Let Me Guide You

I got in a fight with Jailbait yesterday at work.

You see, he wants to be a Marine, and I think that's the dumbest idea ever. I don't believe that anyone with anything good to offer the world (which is everyone), should ever join any branch of the military. Ever. Is that absolute enough? I hate absolutes.

It's not like I'm coming out of nowhere, either. Five of my close relatives are veterans of foreign wars. Two of my cousins have gone to Iraq. One has gone to Afghanistan. All three of them are still in active duty, as is my ex-fiance.

Then there's my dad. My dad works for Veteran's Administration in the psych ward of their hospital in Seattle.

I know the military. It isn't patriotic, it isn't brave, it isn't honorable. The fine men and women that enlist were all those things to begin with.

They were also naive.

When you join the military, your life is no longer your own. You sell yourself out, and "The Man" has you on a choke chain for a minimum of two years. Not to mention the time it will take to establish a real life when you're done.

Think there won't be a war? Think your unit won't be deployed? Think you're coming home in five months? Think you'll be the big hero? You're wrong on four counts. It's not like the movies.

The suits can switch it up on you whenever they feel like it, and you can't fight it. You'll be ripped away from everyone you love, and there's a chance you won't come back.

Even if you do come back, you won't be the same.

Needless to say, I don't think Jailbait likes me anymore. Tough shit. Someone's got to pull the kid's head out of his ass.

Does your dad share you rline of thinking?
» Dilated on 2007-09-12 12:31:08

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